An unexpected four-year-old mare with a potent finishing burst triumphed in Saturday’s Champions Sprint at Flemington, defying pre-race expectations.
Point Barrow delivered a Group 1 upset in the $3 million 1200-metre feature, overcoming Tempted, who had recently dethroned Ka Ying Rising in the prestigious $20 million The Everest just three weeks prior.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Point Barrow crossed the line ahead of Plaintiff and Skybird, completing an all-mares trifecta in the opening Group 1 race of the day, a significant achievement for the stable.
“She’s a good mare and I had good confidence coming into the race, albeit with Tempted in the field,” he said. “She’s been a bloody good mare for a while and it’s been a long time coming. I’m glad she’s got the win at the top level.”
The daughter of Blue Point extended her winning streak to three, adding to her two impressive Group 3 victories at Caulfield. Under Mark Zahra, she unleashed a powerful late surge to secure the eighth win of her 13-start career.
Point Barrow, a $18 outsider, won by a neck from Plaintiff, the $101 chance who briefly appeared set to win with less than 100 metres remaining. Skybird ($31) finished a short-half-head further back in third.
Tempted, the $1.70 favourite aiming for a sixth consecutive win, had a clear run along the outside and seemed poised to win when presented at the 300m mark, but faded in the closing stages to finish fifth.
This marked Zahra’s third Champions Sprint triumph, and his second in succession following last year’s win on Giga Kick. The accomplished jockey was relieved when racing room became available.
“The thing in my favour was that we were an outsider and no one really cared about me,” he said. “I drew in and just wanted to be slow away, which I was, and get to the outside and following Tempted.
“I didn’t like it right out wide on the track, so I didn’t want to continue to follow, and when they went out, I waited for a gap, which was just inside, which I think is better. When I burst through she had a real crack and pinned the ears back late. It was a good win.”
The Champions Sprint was Tempted’s inaugural attempt down the Flemington straight and served as a trial for a potential overseas campaign next year. However, jockey Chad Schofield noted that while she was forced wider than ideal, he suspected her best efforts were left at Randwick.
“She’s obviously had a long, successful preparation but it has come to an end,” he said.
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